The holiday season is upon us, and everyone is shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and family. But, before you put your bags in the backseat of your car, remember: Thieves are shopping too.

Law enforcement in Onslow, Jones and Carteret counties are working to make sure shoppers are safe when shopping and loading their purchases.

“The holiday season is here again, and shoppers are heading to our stores to get the latest gadgets and buy gifts for friends and family,” Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck stated in a press release.

However, when walking out of retail outlets, shoppers tend to not question their safety, he said. According to Buck, this time of year attracts more criminal activity to retail areas because of extended store hours and larger crowds. On top of that, shoppers are distracted while looking at possible purchases, creating a more favorable environment for petty thieves and offenders.

For this reason, the Jacksonville Police Department Holiday Task Force will return on Friday, Nov. 23, and proceed through the holiday season, wrapping up on Dec. 31, according to a press release from the JPD.

The task force is made up of teams of officers who patrol shopping areas on foot, bike and in patrol cars to deter criminal activity, while plain clothes officers scan retail areas for shoplifters, the release stated.

This is the 13th year for the task force.

“The high visibility of the police presence concentrated in and around our major shopping areas is one of the best tactics we have to deter criminal activity,” Admin. Lt. Randy Nordstom of the JPD stated in a press release. “It takes the help of concerned citizens and the cooperation of merchants to make the task force successful.”

Credit card and gift card fraud are also issues during this time of year.

“During this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well,” Jones County Sheriff Danny Heath said via press release. “Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise.”

Heath said those who are planning to shop online should make sure the webpage is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). A gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of the browser window will indicate it’s secure.

Internet customers should also never submit information if they are not comfortable. Heath said to instead contact the seller over the phone and give information that way. Shoppers should never send credit card information via email.

“Unfortunately, when shopping, people have a tendency to let their guard down,” he said. “However, paying attention and taking precautions can help eliminate their chances of being victimized.”

In the end, it is all about being vigilant in your surroundings.

Page 2 of 3 - “Be aware of your surroundings and remember to lock your vehicles, keeping valuable items out of sight,” Chief Mike Yaniero of the JPD stated in a press release. “A few simple precautions may help to ensure a safe holiday season for all.”

Contact Daily News Reporter Tabitha Clark at 910-219-8454 or Tabitha.Clark@jdnews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TabithaLClark or friend her on Facebook.

Tips for shopping safety during the holiday season:

· Park in well-lit areas

· Shop in groups

· Conceal packages in trunks

· Report suspicious people or activities immediately

· Carry bags or purses in your hands rather than on your shoulder or back

· Don’t leave purses in shopping carts

· Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and if paying with cash, be discreet

· Lock your vehicle

· Shop during daylight hours, if possible

· Dress casually and avoid wearing expensive jewelry

· Pay attention to your surroundings, both in a store and in a parking lot

· When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat

· Use the panic alarm on your car to attract attention if you are approached by a suspect

· If you feel uneasy returning to your car alone, find a security guard or store employee and ask them to walk you to your car

Tips to avoid credit card fraud:

· Keep close watch on your credit card every time you use it and get it back as soon as possible